Parents in Walsall can now apply for their childcare code to use this September

This advice forms part of the national government early years expansion programme, Childcare Choices, which launched its first phase on 1 April 2024.

The first phase has been rolled out for eligible working parents of children who have turned 2-years-old before 1 April 2024.

Future phases include:

• From September 2024, 15 hours childcare support will be extended to eligible working parents with a child who is at least 9 months old on 31 August 2024.  
• From September 2025, support will reach 30 hours for eligible working parents with a child from 9-months-old up to school age. 

How to apply and receive/renew your code  

• Parents can check their eligibility criteria here .
• If parents have reviewed the eligibility criteria and wish to apply, they can do so on the gov.uk website. Applications can take up to 7 days to process.  
• If approved, parents will receive a code to give to their childcare provider, along with their National Insurance number and their child’s date of birth.  
• Providers will then process the code to provide your child a place.  
• Parents must reconfirm that they are still eligibly for tax-free childcare every three months via their Childcare Account.  
• Parents who are already claiming Tax-Free Childcare will be automatically issued a code in the post from HMRC  
• Parents with two codes (one code in a letter from HMRC, and a second code via their Childcare Account) are assured that both codes will be valid.

More information about the application process can be found here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/02/how-to-claim-15-hours-free-childcare-code/

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Notes to editors

The Childcare Choices website outlines information for parents/carers and providers about the upcoming changes to childcare costs. 

This includes what support is available for different age groups of children, for working families and for families who currently receive additional government support.

You can access the website here https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

Information is also available on the Walsall Family Information Service website, which include Frequently Asked Questions sections:

Childcare Choices for parents

Childcare Choices for providers

Providers can also email EYandChildcareExpansion@walsall.gov.uk for any additional support.